An Indian silver model of a ceremonial elephant and rider, unmarked, possibly Bhuj, late-19th century

the elephant standing, bedecked in jhools, and a caparison embellished with tasselled edges, each leg with an anklet, the turbaned rider upright in ceremonial attire

The hole in the back of the rider indicates a 'howdah' or carriage may be missing from the elephants back. The elephant and rider are both apparently unmarked. Excellent quality, heavy gauge and good condition.
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Ceremonial elephants such as this were typically adorned with finely threaded colourful embroidered saddle cloths, Jhools, as well as decorative head cloths, caparisons, as well as heavy jewellery. At the yearly Elephant Festival, in Rajasthan, held during Holi, many such elephants would be seen and paraded, also competing in a range of events including elephant polo, an elephant race, and a tug of war. It would not have been uncommon to also find elephants embellished in this manner at funerals or celebrations, or carrying noble dignitaries within a Howdah, a carriage stationed on the elephants back.